Jmmt LLC VANS RV9A accident near Jasper, Georgia, March 29, 2024
On March 29, 2024 at about 3:41 pm local time, a 2024 Jmmt LLC VANS RV9A, an amateur-built aircraft,, registered N387E, was substantially damaged in an accident during enroute (descent) near Jasper, Georgia (Pickens County Airport). It was a flight test under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined due to impact-related damage.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- March 29, 2024 · about 3:41 pm local time
- Place
- Jasper, Georgia · Pickens County Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Jmmt LLC VANS RV9A NO SERIES, built 2024, amateur-built
- Registration
- N387E · no longer on the register · serial 90387
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Flight test · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The purpose of the flight was for the private pilot/builder of the experimental amateur-built airplane to complete the second flight of the phase one flight testing. The pilot planned to remain near the airport and obtain engine performance data. The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff, he maneuvered in the area and observed normal engine performance, and he then descended to return to the airport traffic pattern. The pilot reported that while approaching a left downwind for landing, he observed the engine rpm decline and the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) timer announced, “change fuel tank.” The pilot engaged the fuel boost pump and switched from the left to right fuel tank, which was followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot elected to land in a field, and during the landing roll, the left wing struck a utility pole. The fuselage and left wing sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation and fuel was found in the right tank after the accident. During examination of the fuel system and selector, the right tank fuel line b-nut exhibited low torque, which could have resulted in a total loss of power due to fuel starvation. Although it is possible that the loose B-nut at the fuel selector allowed air into the fuel line when the pilot switched to the right fuel tank, due to the impact damage sustained to other areas of the fuel lines, and lack of recorded data from the multifunction display, the reason for the fuel starvation could not be determined.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing
- Fuel starvation during enroute (descent) defining event
- Aircraft inspection event during prior to flight
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware › Fluids › Fuel › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 863 hours in all; 2 in this make and model; 2 in the last 90 days; 2 in the last 30 days
- Last flight review: June 17, 2022
- Medical certificate: BasicMed (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, January 24, 2024; 1 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,750 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming Experimental Rebuilt O-320 (piston); 1 hours total
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 16/3, 5,000 ft by 100 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 61°F (16°C), dew point 27°F (-3°C)
- Altimeter: 30.24 inHg
- Observation at 11:35 am from CNI, 10 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KCNI 291535Z AUTO 31010KT 10SM CLR 16/M03 A3024 RMK AO2 T01601034
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
6 documents, released by the NTSB on January 14, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | FAA Inspector Statement | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 3 | Memo for Record (Co-builder) | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Carburetor Icing Probability Chart | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 5 | Investigation Photographs | PDF, 5 pages | View Download |
| 6 | Electronic Flight Instrument System - Specialist's Factual Report | PDF, 3 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.